A SPORTS centre is set for a complete revamp as part of a new "deal" for leisure.

Howe Bridge Sports Centre is set to receive a £2.9 million makeover that will see it accommodate traditional sporting activities and leisure projects.

The centre, in Eckersley Fold Lane, Atherton, will be kitted out with a climbing wall, an indoor skate park, adventure play facilities and an 80-station gym with sauna and steam room, a spinning studio, a studio for group fitness and new changing rooms.

The leader of Wigan Council, Lord Peter Smith, said: "The plans for Howe Bridge are very exciting.

“I’m pleased that we’ve been able to invest this money to ensure the centre is fit for the future and appealing to a range of residents.

“The project will give residents state-of-the-art facilities on their doorstep – supporting our goal to help keep them active and healthy. It will also provide more job opportunities – which is always welcome news.

“This model has been adopted elsewhere and will pay for itself over just a few years.

“It has proven to be very successful in terms of the increase in useage and income – making it a really worthwhile investment for the local economy and most importantly the health of our residents.”

Work on the scheme is due to begin in November 2014 and will be completed by summer 2015.

Residents and centre users will be kept up to date with the developments.

Andy Wiggans, chair of the board of trustees at WLCT, said: "These are exciting times for Howe Bridge Sports Centre, which is much loved by the community but in much need of an overhaul.

“We've got some exciting activities planned for the site and look forward to seeing the work progress over the next few months."

Wigan Council will invest £2.4 million into the project while WLCT, as leisure partners, will project manage the refurbishment and continue to manage the site thereafter.